Photo: Jake Harsh
WME agent Shari Lewin (left) has been named partner, it was announced this week. Lewin has been with the WME Nashville office since 2011 and focuses on endoresement deals and brand partnership opportunities for the agency's entire country roster.

In 2016, Lewin landed a television campaign for Brad Paisley to be featured in the Nationwide's "Song For Every Side" campaign. She also did the 360-deal with Field & Stream naming Jason Aldean the first celebrity spokesperson for the provate label hunting/fishing brand sold at Dick's Sporting Goods. She got both Nitto tires and Budweiser to be sponsors of Florida Georgia Line's Dig Your Roots Tour. She also landed Bayer as the title sponsor for Farm Tour for two years in a row.

She is active in both the Country Music Association and Academy of Country Music.

2016/12 7:01 AM

Sony Offers "A Merry Little Country Christmas" Radio Special

Sony Music Nashville will offer "A Merry Little Country Christmas" radio special hosted by The two hour show will feature holiday favorites including songs from his new holiday album, "It Must Be Christmas," as well as Christmas music from other Country artists.

The show will be split into seven segments and allow for 12 minutes of commercials. It also includes additional 60-second time fill pieces.

"A Merry Little Country Christmas" is available in WAV or MP3 format. Questions? Email Joe Willshere

2016/12 6:51 AM

WHK, K95/Richmond Takes "Bikes For Kids" To The Next Level

WKHK, K95/Richmond's PD/Afternoon Personality Garret Doll (right) is taking the station's "K95 Bikes For Kids" promotion to the next level. The promotion started yesterday (12/8) and morning hosts "Lori and Billy D" have broadcast their show while riding stationary bikes at the Target in nearby Short Pump, VA for the past two days.

Now Doll says he will stay on top of the building through Monday, December 12. While most of the country is expecting the polar vortex this weekend, Richmond will also be a bit chilly with the highs in the low 40's and nights in the low 20's.

K95 has partnered with the Henrico Police Athletic League to encourage listeners to purchase bikes for kids in need. The efforts will continue through Monday. More info is here.

2016/12 6:37 AM

JR Gonzalez Leaves KOME/Glen Rose, TX

J.R. Gonzalez is leaving Chisholm Trail Communications Country/Classic Hits KOME/Glen Rose, TX. He held the positions of PD/afternoon host. He also handles production, imaging and was MD, while also doing part time duties at KLTY/Dallas.

"I am now available," said Gonzalez. I have Music Master and Selector experience. Wide Orbit and NextGen, Too. Have worked in AC/Hot AC/Country/Top 40 and Christian formats."

Garth Brooks took to The Bobby Bones Show last week to lend support for Bobby's St. Jude Children's Hospital fundraising effort. He was so inspired by the $1.3 million that The Bobby Bones Show raised, that he has decided to donate $20 from the sale of every copy of his "The Ultimate Collection" through December 25.

"I was stunned when I heard just how much money the show had raisedin one day," Garth says. "It really motivated me to get involved and see how I could try and help such an amazing cause."

2016/12 6:08 AM

Country Community Coming To Aid of Fire Victims

Many in the Country community are rallying around those who were devastated by recent wildfires in Gatlinburg, TN. The wild fires were responsible for 14 deaths adn more than 2,400 homes and businesses that were damaged of destroyed.

Chris Stapleton, Chris Young, Big & Rich, LoCash, Chris Janson, Montgomery Gentry, Michael W. Smith adn Amy Grant have joined the lineup for Dolly Parton's December 13 Smoky Mountains Rise: A Benefit for the My People Fund. AXS-TV, RFD-TV and the Heartland Network will join as broadcast partners, and USA Today.com and USA Today National Networks will stream live on their affiliate newspaper websites, including all Tennessee newspaper sites. It will also be simulcast across multiple radio chains, including iHeartMedia's digital and select on-air platforms, Cumulus Media's Nash Nights Live, TuneIn's Country Roads channel and more. More info here.

Kenny Chesney and CMA are also combining to help. A native of East Tennessee, Chesney has been an on-going supporter of the relief effort.

“Growing up in East Tennessee, the only thing greater than the beauty of the region is the heart of the people who live there,” said Chesney. “It is devastating to think of what’s been lost in terms of the fire, but overwhelming for the families facing rebuilding their lives – in many cases – from scratch. I’m appreciative that CMA shares my hope that these families can feel our love at a time of such tragedy.”

“At CMA we feel such a strong connection to the residents of the area who have lost loved ones, as well as those that have lost personal property or income from businesses that are now closed,” said Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “Many of our artists and CMA members have close ties to the region as well; and we are grateful to Kenny for his leadership and honored to support him in the recovery efforts in East Tennessee.”

CMA and Chesney are pledging $500.000 together. A portion of the proceeds will be going to Dolly Parton and her My People Fund, which provides $1000 each month up to six months to Sevier County families who lost their homes.
Remaining funds from CMA will be distributed where the need is the greatest with the hopes of reaching as many families and individuals as possible. They will work with established local agencies to identify those organizaiotns that are providing valuable and necessary services.

"Our goal is to fulfill specific needs by working with organizations like Dolly’s My People Fund that have a clear mission and the structure to assist a wide-range of people by providing a broad range of resources,” said Trahern.

The Academy of Country Music (ACM), ACM Lifting Lives and Taylor Swift have also pledged a combined $200,000 in advance of "Smoky Mountains Rise" telethon. The $200,000 will go to the Dolllywood Foundation My People Fund to help families.

"The Academy and ACM Lifting Lives are honored to contribute in a meaningful way to Dolly's heroic efforts to help the people of her hometown -- and when Taylor heard what we were planning, she offered to match our gift, which gives it that much more impact," said ACM EVP/Managing Director Tiffany Moon. "We are so grateful to Taylor for her support to the Academy's charitable efforts through the years and for helping us and Dolly Parton assist families in need at a time of crisis."

2016/12 6:02 PM

Alpha Sells In Richmond

EMF has acquired Alpha Country simulcast WLFV and WARV/Richmond, VA for $2 million. The move leaves Alpha with Classic Country WWLB and Classic Hits WBBT in the market, wherre Summit operates Country WKHK.

BBR Music Group has added songwriter Radney Foster to its Magic Mustang Music publishing roster. Foster, a singer-songwriter from Texas has written 20 top-ten singles and three #1 hits in his 30-year career.

Foster's songs have sold more than 50 million copies. Artists who have recorded them include Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, The Dixie Chicks, Keith Urban, Darius Rucker, Sara Evans, and more.

"I'm so excited to be working with Benny,Juli and Noah, and the whole team at Magic Mustang," said Foster. "Their enthusiasm has sparked a whole new wave of creativity in me."

"Nashville is coming together on Wednesday, February 8th for one night in one place and at one time to give back to their friend and music hero, Randy Travis," said event producer and Travis' manager, Conway Entertainment Group's Tony Conway. "It's amazing to see the support that Randy has received from the music industry since his stroke. We're thrilled to have all these artists come out and pay tribute to him."

A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Randy Travis Foundation, which is a non-profit organization raising money for stroke research and rehabilitation.

2016/12 7:19 AM

KSON Raises $241,240 For St. Jude

Great work by KSON/San Diego morning duo John and Tammy, whose 37-hour long "29th Annual Country Cares for St. Jude Kids Radiothon" raised $241, 240 for the children of St. Jude.

Donations included a $10,000 pledge if KSON's Producer Stephcut off over ten inches of hair, one inch for every $1000. Check it out here.

2016/12 7:07 AM

Dean New MD/Afternooner At KMPS/Seattle

David Dean is the new MD/afternoon personality for KMPS/Seattle. He succeeds Pat Garrett in both roles. Garrett left last month.

"David has all the skills to succeed as the new afternoon host of KMPS, and I’m looking forward to introducing him to the Country music community and its passionate fans,” said PD Kenny Jay. “Seattle has proven to be a great market for new Country, and will help us continue to dominate the space.”

2016/12 7:01 AM

Lovelace Signs with Warner/Chappell Music and Sea Gayle Music

Songwriter Kelley Lovelace has signed a worldwide co-publishing agreement with Warner/Chappell Music and Sea Gayle Music. Lovelace has had cuts by Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney and more.

"Signing with Warner/Chappell and Sea Gayle is truly the best of both worlds for me -- I couldn't have dreamed up a more perfect partnership," said Lovelace. "I have had such incredible enthusiasm and motivation from both companies that it's actually causing me to dig a little deeper and write a little more. I think my best songs are the ones I will be a part of in the future."

2016/12 6:28 AM

Drake White and Bailey Bryan Nominated For "Artist of Tomorrow"

Drake White (left) and Bailey Bryan (right) were nominated for CBS.com's "Artist of Tomorrow" along with Colombian singer/rapper Fans can vote for their favorite here.

The winner will perform during Grammy Live February 12 leading into the official ceremony online at CBS.com and Grammy.com and across platforms through the CBS app. White was nominated by label mates Zac Brown Band and Bryan by Capitol's Hillary Scott.

2016/12 6:24 AM

Lauren Alaina and Brothers Osborne Hosting Holiday Specials

UMG Nashville has two spot-free holiday radio specials available. The first, "A Country Christmas," is a three-hour multi-artist special hosted by Lauren Alaina. She will share Christmas memories and thought with other Country artists. The special can run Friday, December 9-Sunday, December 25 and is available for delivery via Dropbox by Thursday, December 8.

The second, "Brothers Osborne's New Year's Hangover Special" is a two-hour multi artist special hosted by the Brothers Osborne. It will feature current and recurrents from Country favorites and the Brothers will share their go-to hangover cures. The special can run Saturday, December 31 and Sunday, January 1. It is available for delivery via Dropbox by Thursday, December 15.

Cumulus/Nashville including Country WKDF, Nash FM 103.3 and Country WSM-FM, Nash Icon 95.5, collected enough toys on Tuesday (12/6) to reach almost 9,000 "angels" at its 9th Annual Toy Field benefitting the Forgotten Angles Program.

The event took place at Nissan Stadium in Nashville. The Salvation Army/Nashville Commander Major shared that several hundreds of those "angels" will not be adopted but added, "Throughout the years, the Cumulus/Nashville listeners have been generous with their donations. Today was a great day that will help us provide for those in need in our community."

Berner Named The Hollywood Reporter's 2016 Women in Entertainment Power 100 List

Mary Berner, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cumulus Media, was named to TheHollywood Reporter's 2016 Women in Entertainment Power 100 list, which was released today.

Berner is the only radio executive on the list and is one of the 26 new names on this annual listing of Hollywood's most powerful women in entertainment. Check the full listing here.

2016/12 7:39 AM

ACM Radio Submissions Due By Friday

The deadline for ACM radio submissions for the 52nd ACM Awards is 4 p.m. Friday (12/9). Send your submissions here. Station and on-air personalities will be honored in national, major, large, medium and small market categories.

2016/12 7:23 AM

Country Music Association Announces Board for CMA Foundation

The Country Music Association announced the new Board of Directors for the CMA Foundation. The appointments are effective Jan. 1, 2017.

Joe Galante, Chairman of Galante Entertainment Organzation will serve as Chairman and Lon Helton, CEO of Country Aircheck, will serve as Vice Chairman for the 2017 CMA Foundation Board. Other members of the 2017 CMA Foundation Board include:

CMA created the nonprofit 501 (c) (3) CMA Foundation in 2011. As studies indicate, students who participate in music and the arts are more likely to graduate, have better attendance rates and higher CPAs than those not enrolled in music programs.

CMA Foundation focuses on improving and sustaining music education programs everywhere while supporting worthwhile causes important to the Country Music Association. The Foundation has given more than $17.5 million to organizations enhancing the lives of students through the power of music.

2016/12 7:13 AM

Country Music Association Announces New Board

The Country Music Association announced their new Board of Directors effective Jan. 1, 2017. John Esposito completed his term as Chairman of the CMA Board and current CMA Board President Sally Williams (VP and GM of Ryman Auditorium) will assume that position. CMA President-Elect Bill Simmons (Partner at The Fitzgerald Hartley Company), will become President. Jody Williams (VP of Writer-Publisher Relations at BMI) has been named President-Elect. Kurt Johnson (SVP of Programming For Towquare Media) is Secretary/Treasurer of the MA Board.

“It has been my great honor to serve as Chairman of the CMA Board,” said Esposito. “It has been an especially great thrill to have served on this historic 50th Anniversary of the CMA Awards. Working with this Board and the great people who serve on it has been a major highlight of my career. I look forward to continuing to remain very active with CMA in other capacities. The Board is in great hands with Sally Williams as the incoming Chairman. She will further the mission of this organization.”

“2016 was a monumental year for CMA. We celebrated a half century of Country Music with a brilliant 50th Anniversary Awards broadcast and the groundbreaking ‘Forever Country’ song and video. Hats off to John Esposito, Sarah Trahern, and the entire CMA staff for exceeding all expectations,” said Williams. “The stage certainly is set for Country Music to enjoy growth not only domestically but also internationally. I’m excited about collaborating with Bill Simmons, Jody Williams, and the rest of the Board as we continue to work toward that vital goal.”

Following is a list of 2017 CMA Directors and Directors at Large: (Newly-elected Directors are indicated in bold)

Kelsea Ballerini presents $1 million
grant to support music education in
Metro Nashville Public Schools on
behalf of the CMA Foundation.
Photo: Terry Wyatt for Getty Images
Kelsea Ballerini and the CMA Foundation awarded a $1 million grant to support initiatives aimed at strengthening music education programs and music teacher support in classrooms across the city. This donation brings CMA's support of music teachers and education in Nashville to $11 million since 2006 making it one of hte largest local, private investments in teh district's public school system.

Funds for the 2017 grant were raised through CMA's annual CMA Music Festival, held in Nashville each June. In 2017, the CMA Foundation has earmarked a record $3.1 million to 44 in-and after-school music education programs across the country, bring the Foundation's total contributions to date to $17.5 million (including the Metro grant).

"I think it is so important to give kids the opportunity to learn what they are passionate about,” said Ballerini. “When I was in middle and high school I took as many chorus and theater classes as I could, and I use the tools I learned then in my career today!”

“CMA’s long-standing commitment to Nashville’s public schools is a shining example of the power of private/public partnerships. Their level of commitment in terms of total dollars and tenure of support is tremendous,” said Nashville Mayor Megan Barry. “My hope is that their leadership inspires others to step forward in a similar fashion.”

“As we think about a more aggressive effort to strengthen and improve our public schools, music education is a central ingredient – not just because we are Music City, but because the research shows it can have a lasting impact on student success,” said Director of Schools Dr. Shawn Joseph. “I am so proud of what the District has already done to build one of the strongest music education programs in the country, but even more optimistic about what the future will bring with partners like CMA.”

The CMA Foundation grant goes directly toward providing insgtruments and teacher support impacting more than 89,000 local students. The support for music educaiton and long-time commitment to the City of Nashville has been an essential ingredient to getting the music education program to the nationally-recognized prominence it has today. Part of CMA's ongoing mission is funding teacher development in addition to support for music instruments and equipment.

"When this program began, it was important to fund instruments, which hadn’t been purchased in decades,” said JoeGalante, Chairman of the CMA Foundation and a member of the CMA Board of Directors. “Now that we have instruments in every Metro school, the CMA Foundation is expanding our focus to include teachers by providing recognition of their work, which is critical in developing and maintaining strong, sustainable music programs.”

The District’s Prelude study, completed in 2013, indicated students who participate in music and the arts are more likely to graduate, have better attendance rates, and earn higher GPAs than those not enrolled in music programs. The CMA Foundation recognizes the benefits of music education in keeping kids engaged and the importance of supporting local music educators.

2016/12 6:44 AM

WIVK/Knoxville Raises $815,000 For Fire Victims

WIVK/Knoxville took to the air yesterday (12/5) and raised a total of $815,000 in the 18 hour on-air and online #SmokyMtnStrong Radiothon benefiting victims of hte Gatlinburg wildfires. $315,000 was raised through call-in donations by the station's listeners, while $500,000 in donations were made online to the My People Fund, in partnership with the Dollywood Foundation. All funds raised will stay in the East Tennessee areas affected by the fires.

The country music community supported the WIVK Radiothon by calling in to the station throughout the day and late into the evening. Calls came from Old Dominion, Justin Moore, Jason Aldean, Brantley Gilbert and Zac Brown. Artists including Trent Harmon and Jake Owen also talked up the Radiothon and Dollywood Foundation online via social media, which drove additional donations.

PD Nikki Thomas said, "I am so proud of our dedicated staff at WIVK and Cumulus Media-Knoxville, the volunteers, Local 8 News, Tennessee State Bank, the Dollywood Foundation and every single person that donated their time, effort and energy to this fundraising effort. Considering the extremely fast turnaround time for raising this incredible amount, the final result is testimony to the professionalism and expertise in this building. I couldn’t be more proud of Cumulus Media-Knoxville and our partners in Nashville.”

2016/12 6:33 AM

Broadcasters Foundation of America Launches Holiday Giving Campaign

The Broadcasters Foundaiton of America has launched its 2016 Holiday Giving Campaign. The campaign encourages donations by individuals to its Guardian Fund in support of broadcasters in need.

The four-hour Crook and Chase Christmas Special is being offered with six minutes of local availabs and no national commercial content.

Guests include Brett Eldredge, Darius Rucker, Rascal Flatts Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood who will share stories of their holidays. The special will also include holiday music.

2016/12 6:13 AM

Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio Looking For Mentors

The Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio (MIW) Group has announced the opening of the application window for the 2017 Mildred Carter Mentoring Program. The program pairs up-and-coming women who currenlty wirk in the radio industry with female professionals recognized as leaders in all aspects of radio broadcasting and media.

"This provides a wonderful opportunity for mentees to gain valuable insight, knowledge and access to some of the most influential women in radio," says , chair of the 2017 MIW Radio Group's Mentoring Committee and Director, Partnership Marketing and Branded Content for Emmis Digital in Chicago.

MIW Spokeswoman Kay Olin adds, “As always, the MIWs anticipate another outstanding program in 2017. It is very rewarding to watch our Mentees grow professionally throughout the year thanks to the time, talent and wisdom shared generously by a very impressive roster of MIW mentoring volunteers."

A total of four candidates from the radio broadcasting industry - within the sales, marketing, programming and digital disciplines - will be selected for the 2017 program. Of those, at least one spot will be designated for a programming candidate and one spot designated for a digital candidate. For mentee criteria, and instructions on how to apply, please visit http://tinyurl.com/MIW2017. The deadline to apply is Friday, January 6, 2017.

The MIW mentoring program is named in the memory of Mildred Carter, who, along with her husband, Andrew"Skip" Carter, founded the first African American owned radio station in the U.S. in 1950, when they turned on KPRS Kansas City, Missouri. Mrs. Carter ran the Carter Broadcast Group for many years after the death of SkipCarter, before turning over control of the company to her grandson, Michael Carter in 1987.

2016/12 5:10 AM

Envision Offers Free "Country Oldies Show Christmas Special

Envision Networks will offer its free "Country Oldies Show Christmast Special" this holiday season. The show will be hosted by Steve Warren and Whisperin' Bill Anderson beginning Monday, December 12.

The show is three hours and will share stories about Christmas music and will include Christmas Country oldies. For more information, contact Amber Wade at 216-831-3761 or here.

"Thousands of toys have been donated throughout the years and we hope to see the same enthusiasm this year," said Salvation Army Nashville Area Commander Major Ed Lee. "We would not be able to provide for all these children without the support of Cumulus Broadcasting and our community."

Scott Chiasson, most recently Scripps Director of Sales has been named VP/Market Manager for CumulusMedia/Lafayette, LA. The cluster including Country KXKC, Nash FM 99.1, Top 40 KSMB, Rhythmic KRRQ, Urban AC KNEK-FM and Urban KNEK-AM.

Chiasson is a native of Lafayette and was Sales Manager of the cox Media Group/Lafayette cluster. He was also GSM at CBS Radio's WQYK/Tampa, Regional Sales Manager for Metro Networks in Florida, VP/Regional Market Manager for Total Traffic Network in Florida and Denver and National Sales Manager at EZ Communications in New Orleans.

“Scott is a great radio guy and a Lafayette native," said Cumulus SVP Jeff Brown. "That combination is a terrific match for our powerful brands and our talented team. Welcome home, Scott!” Added Chiasson, “I’m excited for this new challenge with Cumulus. I’m looking forward to getting to know my new colleagues and being a part of the Lafayette business community.”

Morning show co-host Scott Mallory spent 98 hours camping out 35 feet in the air atop a scissor-lift while encouraging listeners and local business to donate bikes and helmets. The local fire department used a ladder truck to deliver the bike to Mallory while he was in the scissor lift. Check it out here.

2016/12 6:47 AM

Grainger Smith Back In Texas Recuperating

After his fall last Friday at a show, Grainger Smith is back home in Texas recovering from his injury. He took to Facebook and said, "Update: Out of hospital, back in (Texas) and starting to regain movements. Teh outpouring of support has me feeling very blessed. Thank y'all!"

The remainder of his shows for 2016 have been canceled.

2016/12 5:48 AM

Foglia Joins Alliance Connection

Sony/Nashville Manager of Strategic Marketing has left. He was with Sony for six years and is now with the marketing firm Alliance Connection as Director of Strategic Partnership Marketing.

He held the positions of Coordinator of Sales for Sony and was named Manager of Strategic Marketing in February. Prior to that he worked for BMI.

WKWS/Charleston, WV Director of Programming Johnny Vincent is leaving for another opportunity December 16. The station is looking for his replacement.

"We looking for a proven leader with a successful track record in Country radio and excellent interpersonal skills--someone who knows how to recruit the right talent and motivate staff," says MM Bob Visotcky.

The position also includes an on-air shift. If interested send your airchecks and resumes to Vistockyhere. Reach here.

2016/12 5:09 AM

Grammy Award Nominations Announced

The 59th annual Grammy Awards nominations were made on CBS TV this morning and Beyonce,Drake Rihanna and Adele were among the biggest winners. Beyonce's "Lemonade" received nine nominatinos, more than any other artist.

As for Country artists, Maren Morris led all the pack with four Grammy nominations including Country Album for "Hero," Country Solo Performance and Best Country Song for "My Church." Morris and Kelsea Ballerini are included in the overall Best New Artist category competing with The Chainsmokers, Chance The Rapper and Anderson Paak.

Keith Urban earned three nominations for Country Album for "Ripcord," Country Song and Solo Performance for "Blue Ain't Your Color." Brandy Clark earned two nominations for Country Album of the Year for "Big Day In A Small Town," and Country Solo Performance for "Love Can Go To Hell." Miranda Lambert has two nominations for Best Country Song and Best Country Solo Performance for "Vice."

Loretta Lynn received a nomination for Country Album of the Year for her "Full Circle" collection and Dolly Parton also was nominated for her classic "Jolene" featured with Pentatonix.

Lady Antebellum's Hillary Scott is a double nominee in the Contemporary Christian category along with her family for their album "Love Remains," and the song, "Thy Will."

Lori McKenna, a Country Song of the Year nominee with "Humble And Kind," is nominated in the Americana Album of the Year category for her LOP, "The Bird and the Rifle," which contains her version of "Humble and Kind." She also earned an American roots nomination for her song, "Wreck You," making her a multiple Grammy nominee. Vince Gill also earned a nomination in the Best American roots Song category for his group, The Time Jumpers' song, "Kid Sister," which is the title track of the album also earning a best Americana Album nominations. KrisKristofferson is also nominated in that category for "The Cedar Creek Session." Sturgill Simpson is nominated in the Best Country Album and overall Album of the Year categories for his "A Sailor's Guild to Earth." Willie Nelson is nominated for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album for "Summertime: Willie Nelson Sings Gershwin." Country duo were also nominated for Best Roots Gospel Album for the "Hymns" collection. "American Saturday night: Live from the Grand Ole Opry" also earned a nomination for Best Music Film.

Congrats to Cox Media/Houston, which raised $655,329 for Texas Childrens Hostpial in Houston last week. The cluster, which includes Country KKBQ, the New 93Q, Classic Country KTHT, Country Legends 97.1 and Classic Rock KGLK, The Eagle.

The stations held their 12th annual "Cares For Kids Radiothon" on Thursday, (12/1) and Friday (12/2).

2016/12 7:18 AM

Jeana Shepard Returns To KMLE/Phoenix

KMLE/Phoenix has named Jeana Shepard for nights, marking her return to the station in a full-time role. She previously handled middays on KMLE before going to a similar shift for Top 40 clustermate KALV in September while holding down a weekend shift at KMLE.

"The KMLE nation has alwyas been a big supporter of Jeana, and we're excited to have her back on the statoin as our night host," said CBS Radio/Phoenix VP/Programming Tim Richards.Shepard takes over for Natasha Castles on KMLE evenings; Castles now joins the morning show on KALV.

"KMLE has always had a piece of my heart and it's an awesome feeling to be coming back," said Shepard. "I never really 'left' being on weekends, but being full-time again on KMLE is an incredible feeling."

Shepard will retain her midday shift on KALV in addition to her new role on KMLE.

2016/12 7:08 AM

Merger Between Pandora and SiriusXM?

Is a merger between Pandora and SiriusXM in the works? According to those in the know, they told CNBC, it was.

The reports says, "One person referred to the situation as being 'the first inning of the process,' and there is no assurance that Pandora will find interested parties let alone reach a deal. However, Reuters reported that Pandora is making no effort to sell itself and is focused on executiving its strategy and its operating model. It cited an undentified source."

2016/12 7:02 AM

Best Wishes to Granger Smith

All the best to Grainger Smithwho was hurt Friday (12/2) during a performance at Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, N.J. He was standing on a stage monitor when it gave way and he fell into a meta barricade. He suffered two separated, broken bones and a punctured and partially collapsed lung.

Smith made it through the reminder of his set before heading to the closest emergency room. He was then transferred to a Level 1 trauma center in new Brunswick, NJ. all appearances through the remainder of the weekend were canceled.

Smith hopes to get back to his family in Texas soon to rest.

2016/12 6:42 AM

Muscadine Bloodline Sign Deal with Creative Nation

(l-r) Creative Nation's Luke &
Beth Laird; Muscadine Bloodline's
Charlie Muncaster and Creative
Nation's Jeff Skaggs
The duo Muscadine Bloodline has signed a publishing deal with Creative Nation. The duo includes Gary Stanton and Charlie Muncaster of Mobile, AL. They moved to Nashville in 2015.

"Working with Creative Nation just made sense, said Muncaster. "I'm very lucky I get to surround myself with so many talented folks every day."

Added Stanton, "When I walked into the Creative Nation office on Music Row, it felt like a home filled with a very talented family. Luke and Beth (Laird, co-owners) really cared about what we wanted to do and saw our vision. Nashville isn't always open to change and thinking outside the box, but Creative Nation defies that mindset, and that's why it felt wrong not to join the team."

2016/12 6:27 AM

WGH, 97.3 The Eagle/Norfolk Raised Over $205,000 For St. Jude

Country WGH, 97.3 The Eagle/Norfolk raised $207,175 at its 26th annual "Country Cares For St. Jude Radiothon" on Thursday (12/1) and Friday (12/2).

The station has been raising money for St. Jude for 25 years and has raised over $5.5 million locally.

Great work!

2016/12 6:02 AM

FGL Scores The Top Spot on Mediabase Country Singles Chart

Congrats to Florida Georgia Line for scoring the #1 song on the Mediabase Country singles chart this week with their single "May We All" featuring Tim McGraw. This is their eleventh career #1 and is the second single from their "Dig Your Roots" album.

Garth Brooks landed at number six on the Forbes "Highest-Earning Musician List" for the year as calculated ending on Wednesday, June 1, 2016. This makes him the highest-ranked Country artist on the list.

Brooks continues to sell out his "Garth Brooks World Tour with Trisha Yearwood," earned a reported $70 million in pretax income from concerts, records sales, publishing, endorsements, and other business ventures.